RIGHTS-SOUTH AFRICA: "We Are Just Helping Desperate People Here"

http://ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=41134

Matthew Heyes / 11 Feb 1pm / Population

This article looks at the plight of Zimbabwe refugees and their illegal immigration into South Africa. The particular case referred to is a raid on a church that was helping these illegal immigrants and the angry reaction that it has caused. Officials have been accused of engaging in physical and verbal abuse during the late night raid, during which more than a thousand people -- many of them Zimbabweans -- were arrested on suspicion of being in South Africa illegally or of involvement in criminal activity. An immigrant and refugee rights group in South Africa helped organize the protest and condemned the police brutality.

There are up to half a million immigrants living in South Africa, many fleeing the political and economic crisis in their country. The economic decline that has brought about hyper-inflation, unemployment reported to be at about 80 percent, and shortages of basic goods. According to the United Nations World Food Program, an estimated 4.1 million Zimbabweans currently require food aid. Along with other migrants they are experiencing discrimination at the hands of the locals who believe that they will take jobs when the country already has a high level of unemployment. Another stereotype is that they cause crime and consequently live in fear due to the derogatory comments and threats.

There are upcoming elections in Zimbabwe however these are rumored to be rigged with the ruling party guaranteed victory thus prolonging the deprivation in this nation. This will only cause more people to leave the country in desperation, many of which doing so illegally. The people are left with the option of poverty, famine and maybe even death if they stay or help and possible prosperity if they leave. This raises the question of what can be done to help these immigrants already fleeing and how Zimbabwe can be help as a whole.